Terry’s House construction begins early January

Donor-investors, including physicians and staff all paid close attention as Kevin Follansbee, chair of Community Medical Centers’ board, announced construction will begin in January on Terry’s House.

“We have reached an important milestone in the Terry’s House campaign, and I am pleased to announce the Board of Trustees has approved the start of construction,” Follansbee said at Community Medical Foundation’s Gala on Nov. 19. “This means Terry’s House will soon become a reality. In fact, we are going to start construction the first week of January.”

This is exciting news for medical staff as they see a need for Terry’s house every day.

“Community Regional Medical Center prides itself on providing great care to our patients,” said Lynn Bennink, trauma program director for Community Regional.

“We care for patients from all over the Valley and beyond. Terry’s House will provide us the ability to care for the families as well. It will be a home for families of critically injured or burned patients that have to travel long distances to be close to their loved ones. Currently these families are sleeping in our waiting room or staying in expensive hotels.” 

“It’s also difficult for the nurses and physicians caring for these patients to watch these families struggle with the medical issues and decisions and still have to worry about where to sleep, where to eat, etc.”

As construction begins the first week of January, a celebration and “official” groundbreaking is being planned for the same month at the Terry’s House site on the corner of Fresno and R streets.

“We are looking forward to celebrating with all of our donor-investors, physicians and staff who have helped make this possible,” said Katie Zenovich, executive director of Community Medical Foundation.

It will be a 17,000 square-foot, two-story home with 20 guest rooms and will be within walking distance of the main entrance to Community Regional in downtown Fresno.

Terry’s House is dependent upon private support from the generosity of donor-investors. While enough funds have been raised to construct the house, the fundraising campaign continues as Community seeks ongoing support for furnishings, operations and families who otherwise cannot afford to stay. Once construction begins, Terry’s House will open its doors for patients’ families within a year. 
For more information about Terry’s House and how to give, log on to http://www.terryshousefresno.com/.

Thank you to the following recent donor-investors who gave to Terry's House:
• Kevin Follansbee, chair, Community Medical Centers’ board of trustees
• Central California Faculty Medical Group
• Fresno Women’s Medical Group
• KRC Safety Company, Inc.
• Pacific Gas & Electric Company
• Heald College, Fresno

To learn more about Community’s other services in need of your help call 559.459.2670 or click here.

This story was reported by Rebecca Wass. She can be reached at rwass@communitymedical.org.

Friday, November 20, 2009